THE sister of an Irishman held hostage in Algeria has spoken of her family's joy when her brother, Stephen McFaul, informed them he was now free.

Irishman Stephen McFaul contacted his family to inform them of his release at 3pm today.

THE sister of an Irishman freed in the Algerian hostage crisis has described the family's joy.

Stephen McFaul, 36, from west Belfast, made contact with his wife Angela at around 3pm to confirm he was no longer being held captive, his sister Donna McBride said.

Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs had earlier confirmed that he was free.

Ms McBride said: "We are absolutely delighted that he is free and is unharmed.

"I feel so sorry for the rest of the families who have lost loved ones and others who are missing."

She said her brother was currently with officials in Algeria in a debriefing exercise.

Ireland's Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he is greatly relieved to hear Mr McFaul is safe and well.

"I believe he has already spoken to his family in Belfast and I wish him a safe return home to his loved ones," he said.

"I would like to pay tribute to all those who have been involved in the effort to resolve this crisis and my thoughts are with the other oil-field workers and their families who have found themselves at the centre of this traumatic situation."

Mr McFaul is a former pupil of De La Salle College in west Belfast and his son Dylan, 13, is a year nine pupil in the school.

Acting principal Fiona Kane said the school community was over the moon at news of the release.

"We are absolutely delighted," she said.

"We were very concerned and we were rallying round to support the family, that is very much part of our ethos.

"Dylan was in this morning to tell his form teacher and he'll be back in school on Monday. I think the family are taking tomorrow to celebrate."

Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore said he was extremely thankful and relieved to learn Mr McFaul is safe.

"I spoke with his family yesterday, and I know how relieved they will be that he is well after his ordeal," he said.

"This is the news that we all wanted to hear."

Mr Gilmore said his thoughts remained with the other oil-field workers still involved and with their families who are waiting for news.

"We continue to liaise with the Algerian authorities and with the authorities of the other countries affected by this incident," he said.